Spotlighting Jane Niles
In honour of International Women's Day, Oak Group has invited women from its network to share their inspiring stories throughout the month of March.
We are pleased to share Jane Niles story below.
Can you tell us about yourself and your career journey so far?
Coming from an entrepreneurial and art focused background, I first encountered banking as a fresh graduate in the City of London. I was quickly hooked by the sector and its ability to create partnerships with clients that had a real impact on the economy and in turn the communities in which we live. A 23-year career in banking in London, Hong Kong and the Channel Islands has followed and is still such fun and a source of continual interest. Banking can create enduring worth when it works in partnership with its clients, and it is those relationships which continue to drive me. In October 2023 I was appointed as Chief Executive Officer for Investec Bank Channel Islands and granted the opportunity to help build upon and grow our client relationships across the region. At Investec I lead a fantastic and enthusiastic team with a real passion for their clients and the communities we operate in.
What has been your proudest achievement so far since joining Investec?
My pride comes from seeing our people excited and achieving visions that they work together to create. As a new CEO, watching our people and clients winning together is the best feeling for us all and I feel it is my role to facilitate that. We focus very much on collaboration, and I am so proud of the role we play in working with our colleagues globally in ensuring our clients experience working with Investec as a source of joy, recognising the strategic and important role we play to our clients locally and globally through our presence in the Channel Islands.
What is the greatest advice you have been given?
The best advice I recently received was to schedule some time each week to myself, allowing me to catch up, reflect, pause, and integrate everything that has happened during that week. Our days are often filled to the brim, and by taking a moment to pause and reflect, I give myself the opportunity to assess direction, consider what is underlying, and determine where to focus energy. This time also allows me to replenish my own reserves and prepare for the week ahead. I make sure to schedule this time, 1-2 hours a week, as it brings value far in excess of the time spent.
Which women inspire you the most and why?
I am inspired by resiliency. Over the last 12 months I have seen this in spades in team members managing illness, whether they themselves are ill, or family or friends. Additionally, I have been struck by those dealing with bereavement and the way in which people can pick themselves up and carry on for themselves or for those they care about. This often spills into tears or, on occasion, laughter and I applaud letting the emotion be there for what it is. The examples live in my mind are all women but resiliency is by no means gender specific. It inspires and humbles me, recognising that life can turn on a dime and that remaining thankful and present in the moment is key.
What ways are you committed to inspire inclusion?
Creating a sense of belonging is a powerful way to foster inclusion. When individuals feel that they belong, they can see that the opportunity for inclusion exists, regardless of their starting point. Building a sense of belonging can be achieved through storytelling, sharing who we are, where we come from, and why we are here. This helps people to identify with, and choose to feel that they belong and are included. However, it is important to note that no matter how much we talk about the importance of belonging and inclusion, people need to feel it through our actions. This includes the time we dedicate to others, how we listen to them, and how we show up for them. At Investec, we understand that this requires an active commitment to build partnerships to create belonging and inclusion.
Do you have any advice you would give to other women starting out in the industry?
Be curious and interested. Ask questions – lots of them, none are ‘silly’. Learn. If you’re not learning, strive to find a way to. Build partnerships and sponsorships, both for yourself and others. Embrace the uncomfortable. Be bold, believe in yourself and take the leap!
Thank you for taking part, Jane! What a fascinating career you've had and such a critical period in history to have experienced Hong Kong--particularly given the continuing legislative changes in the last week. It's exciting to see how you can bring all of that experience to your team here--we're lucky to have you!